I've never used an underground fence for my dogs but did have a bad experience with a dog "on" one while out walking my dog. If your dog sees something that it wants that fence is not going to stop him/her. An obedience trained dog and supervision is a must with these fences.

As for ground cover in a kennel...I have gravel in my dogs run. Mud is not a problem here.

Stacey
Zoey ~ Giant Schnauzer